A notary public is a state-appointed official who acts as an impartial witness to the signing of important documents. The core function of a notary is to verify the identity of the signers, confirm their willingness to sign without duress, and attest that the transaction is authentic. This process serves as a deterrent to fraud, providing a layer of trust for personal and commercial agreements. For individuals seeking a flexible career path or a way to supplement their income, becoming a notary public can open up numerous opportunities.
Understand the Basic Requirements
Becoming a notary public begins with meeting a set of foundational requirements established at the state level. While specific rules differ, a few qualifications are nearly universal across the United States. Prospective notaries must be at least 18 years of age and be a legal resident of the state in which they are applying for a commission.
A clean criminal history is another prerequisite. Most states prohibit individuals with felony convictions from becoming notaries, and some extend this to certain misdemeanors, especially those related to fraud. The ability to read and write English is also a frequent requirement.
Because every state regulates its own notaries, the exact criteria can vary. The first step for any aspiring notary is to consult the official website of their state’s commissioning official, usually the Secretary of State’s office, for precise and current information.
Complete the Application and Training Process
After confirming eligibility, the next phase involves navigating the state-specific application and training procedures. This process can range from a simple registration to a more rigorous path involving mandatory education and examinations. The initial step is to complete the official notary public application form, which will ask for personal information and require you to attest that you meet all eligibility requirements.
Many states mandate that applicants complete a training course from an approved education provider. These courses are designed to familiarize applicants with state laws, notarial duties, and best practices for performing notarizations. For example, states like California and Pennsylvania require approved education, while others have no such requirement.
Following the training, some states require applicants to pass a state-administered exam. These exams test the applicant’s knowledge of notary laws and procedures covered in the training materials. The level of difficulty and format of the exam varies by state, but passing this exam is a required step before a commission can be granted. The entire process, including application fees, training costs, and exam fees, can range from under $100 to several hundred dollars depending on the state’s complexity.
Obtain Your Commission and Supplies
Once your application is approved and you have passed any required exam, the state will issue your notary commission. This commission is the official document authorizing you to perform notarial acts. The term of a commission is typically four years, but this can vary by state.
A widespread requirement is the purchase of a surety bond. A surety bond is a type of insurance that protects the public from financial harm resulting from a notary’s errors or misconduct. This bond does not protect the notary; to protect themselves from liability, many notaries purchase Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance.
With your commission and bond in place, the final step is to acquire the necessary tools. Every notary must have an official seal or stamp, which imprints their commission information onto documents, and the format is often dictated by state law. Keeping a detailed notary journal of all transactions is a widely recommended best practice, as this journal serves as a record of your official acts.
Finding Notary Work
After becoming a commissioned notary, the focus shifts to finding opportunities to use your new credentials. The avenues for work fall into two categories: working as an employee for a business or establishing your own independent notary service. Banks, law firms, real estate agencies, car dealerships, and shipping centers are common employers of notaries where notarizations are performed as part of regular job duties.
Alternatively, many notaries choose to work for themselves as independent contractors. This path offers greater flexibility and control over your income but requires more effort in marketing and client acquisition. Building a client base often starts with local networking by introducing your services to businesses that frequently need notarizations.
An independent practice can also benefit from an online presence. Establishing a professional website or social media profile can help attract individual clients seeking services.
Explore Notary Specializations
To enhance their career and earning potential, notaries can pursue various specializations. These advanced roles often require additional training, certification, or technology but can open the door to more frequent and higher-paying assignments.
Mobile Notary
While any independent notary can be mobile, specializing as a Mobile Notary means building a business model centered on travel. This service is valuable to clients who are unable to travel or who require notarizations outside of standard business hours. The business’s profitability comes from charging travel fees, which are separate from the state-regulated fee for the notarial act itself.
Notary Signing Agent (NSA)
A Notary Signing Agent is a notary who has undergone specialized training to handle real estate loan documents. NSAs guide borrowers through the complex paperwork involved in mortgage and refinancing transactions. Lenders and title companies rely on NSAs to ensure all documents are signed and notarized correctly and returned promptly. Becoming an NSA typically requires completing a certification course and passing a background screening from a recognized organization.
Remote Online Notary (RON)
Remote Online Notarization allows a notary to perform notarizations for clients located anywhere using secure audio-visual technology. The entire act, from identity verification to the application of an electronic seal and digital signature, is conducted online through an approved platform. This specialization is only permitted in states that have passed RON laws, and notaries must receive specific authorization from their state to perform these acts. Becoming a RON requires a computer with a webcam, a secure internet connection, and subscriptions to state-compliant RON service providers.